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Animal Biosciences

Watching what you eat? Watch what your dog eats says University of Guelph professor

Over-drinking, over-eating, over-spending.

Just don't overlook your pets over the holiday season, says Dr. Kate Shoveller, a professor of biosciences at the University of Guelph.

Recent statistics show that 50 per cent of North Americans are overweight or obese and the same is true of their pets.

"And just like humans, being overweight can predispose dogs and cats to other diseases," Shoveller said in an interview. "They'll live a longer life and have a better quality of life if we watch their weight as well."

Shoveller has been studying pet nutrition for many years and thinks that Christmas is a good time to think about what you are feeding your pets.